Most parents do not take their children to see a family dentist until they are well over two years of age. Dental professionals recommend that a child should visit the dentist within six months after teething starts. Baby teeth often start coming in from six months of age. Continue reading to learn more about children’s dental appointments.
If the child’s first dental appointment is only a meeting with the dentist, then taking them at age two might be more realistic and appropriate. However, that first appointment might be because of an emergency. Children can be unpredictable, and if they had a bad fall at the playground and chipped or broke their teeth, their first appointment might be one born of trauma. Now, the chances are that the child may have difficulty letting a stranger touch or treat them.
Sadly, these cases occur regularly, where a child’s first dental visit is because of a dental emergency, and it is almost impossible to get the child to cooperate. Often, drastic measures need to be taken so the dentist can examine the child and repair the damaged tooth. This is why family dentists usually recommend that parents bring the child to the dental office during their dental appointment.
The first appointment is not exactly for any major procedure. It is more for getting the child accustomed to the dentist’s office and exploring the different tools, and probably even sitting in the dental chair. The dental office is designed to keep the child comfortable, with lots of games, toys, and other entertainment options to keep them engaged. When the child is at ease, they might be more willing to let the dentist take a peek into their mouth.
The first appointment serves different purposes. It gets the child familiar with the dental team and office setting in a non-threatening setting – building trust is easier. Also, it allows the dentist to perform a quick dental exam. They will examine the child’s jaw, teeth, gums, and bite alignment, looking for signs of tooth decay or issues that may affect normal oral development or speech. The dentist will also discuss good oral hygiene, and the child will learn how to brush and floss in fun ways. This approach ensures that children cultivate a habit of preventive dental care throughout their lives.
After the first appointment, dental professionals recommend that children visit the office every six months, except for an emergency. The dentist will continue from the last appointment and determine if the child needs any form of preventive or interventive care. For instance, they might recommend dental sealants or fluoride application. When the child clocks three, they have full dental appointments, which may include dental x-rays and dental cleaning.
It is important that you do not wait until there is a dental emergency before taking the child to visit the family dentist. Book an appointment as soon as the child’s teeth start coming in.
Request an appointment here: https://austinlakesdentistry.com or call Austin Lakes Dentistry: Scott T Gordon DDS at (512) 377-9799 for an appointment in our Austin office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist in Austin, TX.
Looking for a new family dentist in your area? Since there are different types of dentists to choose from nowadays, choosing the right one is important. Ready to learn more about the benefits of choosing a family dentist?Considering choosing a family dentist in Austin? People choose family dentists to provide them with the dental care…
A family dentist is a great dental professional to see for routine examinations. Austin Lakes Dentistry: Scott T Gordon DDS offers both adults and children convenient dental care all at the same place, and often at the same time in the Austin area.Family dentists are dental professionals who have undergone additional training in order to…
General dentists and family dentists are quite similar and often get confused for each other. The main difference between the two practices is that in general, dentists specialize in specific areas, like orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry, which limits them to certain age groups. Family dentists specialize in broader areas, allowing them to treat more patients.If…
A family dentist can verify that negligence in oral hygiene may have health consequences beyond the scope of general dentistry. Believe it or not, about half of the population does not bother with flossing and less than half of that half does so every day. That does not mean they are getting away with it.…
Despite what many people think, a general dentist wants to see strong, healthy teeth when patients come into the office. Dentists are, in fact, the most prominent champions of clean and cavity-free teeth; they work to educate patients and community members about proper oral care techniques and cleaning practices. With the right level of care,…
CEREC® crowns are gaining popularity. Even so, there is only a limited number of clinics adopting the CEREC technology. Those who find dental facilities with this system are now enjoying the advantages of these crowns. If you want to find out more about the availability and popularity of CEREC crowns, here are the details.Traditional crowns…